CPA Exam Prep: Financial Accounting Graduate Certificate

Objectives of the Certificate: This online, distance education certificate program in CPA Exam Prep: Financial Accounting is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Exam in the USA. Credits earned in this certificate program may be used to fulfill requirements of the MBA degree, if you meet admissions requirements.

Pre-requisites: Intermediate Accounting from an accredited university, or equivalent (e.g., chartered accountant courses), as approved by the department.

In addition, you will need to pass an online accounting test to verify your understanding of basic financial accounting practices in the USA.

Graduate level students will have additional academic assignments for each course.

Before starting the second course, the student will be required to take instruction in the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique at a local or regional TM Center. The cost of instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique is separate and is the responsibility of the student. The local TM instructor will submit a document verifying the completion of instruction. It is recommended that students arrange for instruction during the first course.

The Science and Technology of Consciousness (STC) is a basic course in

Consciousness-Based education that is the unique educational approach of Maharishi University of Management. Our university was inspired by the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a scientist and Vedic scholar from India. The practical aspect of STC is the Transcendental Meditation technique, a simple non-religious mental technique that produces positive effects on mental health, physical health, and social behaviors. For more information, go to www.tm.org. (2 credits)

The goal of this course is for you to gain experience and understanding of consciousness as the unifying basis of all branches of knowledge. This course provides a foundation for all other courses you will take at Maharishi University of Management and introduces you to key ideas and terms relevant to your studies and to your experience here.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand the relationship between your individual self and your universal Self—the field of pure inner wakefulness, unbounded pure consciousness, at the source of thought.

Use principles of the Science of Creative Intelligence to deepen your understanding of foundational principles in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

Articulate how growth of consciousness and the study of inner subjectivity enrich education and other areas of life.

Utilizing the Principle of the Second Element to Verify Financial Statements

As independent auditors, CPAs verify the fairness of corporate financial statements and thereby enhance the confidence of those making investment decisions. Auditors play the role of the Second Element by dispelling doubts about the truthfulness of financial statements. Topics include audit engagement planning, verification and testing of internal controls, and evidence sampling, collection and testing. In addition, the various types of audit report formats are examined. Topics covered in CPA Exam Part 2. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I & II (MGT 5141 & 5142)

2nd semester (8 credits)

Students explore and gain the knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge. GAAP is seen as a reflection of collective consciousness that specifies rules for financial reporting. Topics covered in CPA Exam Part 3. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I & II (MGT 5141 & 5142)

Man-made laws are created to restore the path to right action and meet social needs. In this course, students gain knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities required for professional accountants. Topics include business law concepts (such as contracts and agency) as well as specific laws (such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act). In addition, the course covers federal taxation for individuals, partnerships and corporations. Topics covered in CPA Exam Part 4. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I & II (MGT 5141 & 5142)

Program Costs:

Tuition: ($400 per credit)

1st semester, 10 credits (10 X $400) = $4000

2nd semester, 8 credits (8 X $400) = $3200

Books: approximately $150-$200 per semester

Instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique: To locate a certified TM instructor in your area, visit www.tm.org or call 1-888-532-7686. Cost of TM instruction will vary by country.

If the student has already taken STC or SCI courses through the University sometime in the past, then the STC course is waived, and the cost of the program is reduced by $800.

Registration: To register for this certificate program, contact MBA Program Team Leader, Karen Slowick at 641-472-1128 or via email at kslowick@mum.edu.